Green, Nathan 'Nearest'
c.1820-1890s · Contribution: 1850s-1880s
Master Distiller (enslaved)
First known African American master distiller; taught the distilling craft to a young Jack Daniel, whose namesake whiskey brand became a global industry
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- c. 1820
- Active since
- 1850s
- Category
- Agriculture & Food
- Best known for
- First known Black master distillerTaught Jack DanielLincoln County Process
Impact on the world
Green shaped the foundational techniques of an entire category of American whiskey while enslaved, mentoring the man whose name became a global brand. His story reframes the origins of Tennessee whiskey.
Sources
- Wine Enthusiast (10 Black-Owned Distilleries)
2 more sources and references are available to members.
Related visionaries
Eady Butler, Victoria
Contemporary
Became the first known Black woman Master Blender in American whiskey, crafting Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey as the great-great-granddaughter of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel to distill
Weaver, Fawn
1976-present
Founded Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey in 2017 to honor Nathan “Nearest” Green, America's first known Black master distiller, building it into the best-selling Black-owned spirits brand in U.S. history
McDonald, Edward Lee "Mac"
1942-present
Founded Vision Cellars in 1995, becoming one of the first Black-owned premium Pinot Noir labels in California, and co-founded the Association of African American Vintners in 2002 to expand Black participation in the wine industry